10 commandments for first time managers

1.LEARNThe first thing that you have to learn as a first time manager is to how get along with the team. This is a great transitional phase of your career where your KRA (key responsibilities area) changes from transactional to managerial roles. Keep your eyes, ears and mind open to learn about your new team and also from them.

2.COMMUNICATEEffective team management always start with effective communications. Andeffective communication starts with active listening. Since you are in learning curveof managerial roles – communicate openly and transparently with your new team.Listen and try to understand their side of stories on every issue. And alwaysremember this: Whenever you ask your team to do something state the reasonbehind that order.

3.COMMITThe only way to earn respect from your new team is through sheer professionalbehavior at work. Commit yourself to 100% dedication at work and never leave anywork for others what you can do for yourself. Work professionally on all your projectdeadlines, client interactions and other milestones and demand the samecommitment from your team.

4.ENCOURAGEBelieve positively in the abilities of your team members and always encourage themto higher level of performance. Lend a helping hand when they need you, back themsolidly when they give a good suggestion or take up a new initiative and make themfeel you will always stand by them for the betterment of the team.

5.RECOGNIZERecognition is a great motivator because it makes your team members feel valued atwork. Remember the classic management gold : Recognize good performancepublicly and review poor performance in private. When some of your team membersfail to deliver a task – discuss it out with him/her and see how you can help them tocomplete the task. Once he/she completes the task, appreciate it duly.

6.INTERACTPositive interaction among the team members build up the confidence of the team.It promotes comradeship and peer motivation within the team. Be ready to walk theextra mile to keep the team integrated. Communicate more frequently, go out forteam outing and have constant feedback session. Keep the interaction level up.

7.VISUALISECompanies have corporate goals and mission. To build a super team, you have todevelop your team on the lines of organizational aspiration. Set your own visionstatement of the team and make every member of your team see the bigger picturethat their work can contribute in achieving the larger overall goals of the company.

8.FACILITATEFacilitate open door policy and a positive work atmosphere where your teammembers are constantly learning new things, rectify their own mistakes and comingup with innovative solutions for existing problems. You can do this by having brainstorming sessions, process tests and corporate trainings like six sigma or some otherrelevant skills training for their work. Bottomline: Facilitate learning for teammembers and create opportunities where they can apply what they learnt.

9.CONTROLManagerial skills demands constant monitoring on many key parameters. TeamPerformance, Leave Management, Client Relationship, Business Growth andDevelopments and even personal matters of team members if it is affecting them atwork. You have to learn take complete ownership of your team, both collectively andindividually. And you have to take full control of your team members without beingautocratic.

10.LEADConventional leadership wisdom might say leadership is setting up a direction andhave host of followers to follow him/her. But in actual world and businessworld too,a true leader create more leaders. And you can create more leaders when your teammembers truly follows you and try to emulate some of your leadership ideals. Try togrow your business by doing quality work, show genuine interest in the careerdevelopment of your team members and take decisive actions for growth andprogress of your team. That is how you lead a team.

Thank You!